Public willing to vouch for Ahok

News DeskThe Jakarta Post

Jakarta | Wed, May 10, 2017

Balloons fill the front yard of City Hall in Jakarta on Monday. The balloons were sent by supporters of outgoing Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama and Deputy Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat as a token of gratitude for their time in office and to convey sympathy for their defeat in the recent election. (JP/Dhoni Setiawan)

Jakartans have started an initiative to be guarantors for the release of non-active Jakarta governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama from detention.

People who gathered at City Hall on Wednesday morning started collecting signatures and copies of identity cards to meet requirements to act as guarantors for the release of Ahok, who has been detained at the National Police’s Mobile Brigade detention center after the North Jakarta District Court declared him guilty of blasphemy.

“We, the supporters of Ahok, will guarantee that Ahok won’t flee,” said Susy Rizky, one of the initiators of the action, at City Hall.

She said she had consulted with one of Ahok’s lawyers, I Wayan Sudirta, about the possibility of citizens being guarantors for his release.

She said that those who did not possess Jakarta ID cards could also participate.

Deputy Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat, who has been sworn in as acting governor, has said he is willing to act as a guarantor for Ahok’s release. He has submitted a signed letter to the Jakarta High Court and the North Jakarta District court requesting Ahok’s release.

“If something happens, I will take the responsibility. I will replace him in detention if something happens,” he said on Tuesday.

Ahok was detained immediately after the court ruled against him on Tuesday. (vny)